Websites can easily pinpoint your location on a map through an address you are broadcasting, even as you read this article. This is done through IP address location techniques, and should be considered a security threat. Knowing what IP addresses are and how they function will make you more aware of your options.

To start off, checking your IP address can be done via several means. First you can make use of websites that ping your computer. Another option is to use your command line prompt in Windows to get details on the network you are on. Most find it easier to simply use a program or go online to check the IP address, as it takes literally seconds to do.

The type of IP address you have determines how quickly it will change by itself. A static IP address is one that never changes, unless a specific request is made to your Internet service provider. In that case, your request may not even be approved, even if the nature of your request is not shady. Dynamic addresses instead change each time you disconnect from the network.

You can easily mask the number that you broadcast by using a proxy. A proxy can be installed on your desktop or can be used through a web browser. Either way, the address your broadcast is either the IP address of a designated web server or a public IP address that is used among multiple people. Proxies can make some websites inaccessible, so it’s best to use them with moderation.

Routing technologies have improved a good bit since a decade ago. Today we can use a network service called NAT, which stands for network address translation. NAT technology isn’t perfect in providing security, it just helps the process. It’s original goal is to actually cut down on the amount of IP addresses connected to the Internet at a given time, not provide security. The IP address you broadcast will appear as the same for any computer on the network to outside sources.

IP addresses are easy to change and edit, or even mask, but MAC addresses are a different story. A MAC address is based on the hardware level, so you would need new hardware to change it or do some creative engineering. Don’t give out your MAC address, since it is the number that points directly to your device and none other in the world. Hiding such information is easy with modern security software.

Closing Comments

Computers contact with IP addresses, so knowing a thing or two about how they operate isn’t such a bad idea. IP addresses can be dangerous to give out at times, but the right software can secure your computer well enough so that you won’t have to worry each time you use the Internet.

Learn more about My IP and Hide My IP Address.